Titanium-Alloy Anchoring System As A Suitable Method Of Extracapsular Repair

Objective: To characterize the effect of a titanium-alloy anchoring system (TAS) on the motion of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) deficient stifle. To compare the motion with the TAS to that of the CrCL-intact and CrCL-deficient stifle.Study Design: Each canine pelvic limb was mounted in a loading jig under 30% body weight. Motion data was collected using an electromagnetic tracking system at stifle angles of 125 degrees, 135 degrees, and 145 degrees with the CrCL-intact, CrCL-deficient and the TAS applied.Results: Total translation of the CrCL-deficient stifle following the TAS was reduced, but remained greater than the CrCL-intact stifle at angles of 125 degrees, 135 degrees, and 145 degrees. Internal rotation of the TAS groups was greater than the CrCL-intact group at 145 degrees, but not 125 degrees and 135 degrees. Varus motion of the TAS group was decreased compared to the CrCL-deficient group, but increased compared to the CrCL-intact group at angles of 125 degrees, 135 degrees, and 145 degrees.Conclusion: Total translation and internal rotation of the CrCL-deficient stifle following the TAS differed from that of the CrCL-intact stifle. However, the TAS reduced total translation and internal rotation of the tibia relative to the femur in the CrCL-deficient stifle to levels that may yield clinically acceptable results.